Here are four restaurants to try today from “Dining Discoveries” food writer Linda Bladholm. Mom-and-pop restaurants are the heart of Miami and Bladholm gives us an inside look at what makes these special.

“The pizza crust — made to stand up to delivery and takeout — is thick with crisp, puffed golden edges. It holds plenty of cheese and toppings in three sizes (personal, medium and large). But unlike at most pizza places, there is also a full menu of Italian-American-inspired dishes…” (Read more)

“Whether you adhere to a vegan, vegetarian or Paleo diet, there is something for all at Dirt Eat Clean in South Beach. It’s a hip café with all-day smoothies, housemade juices and nut milks flavored with cocoa powder. Most of the menu is plant based with vegetables the star.” (Read more)

“Gold Marquess is a Cantonese-style banquet restaurant … with crystal chandeliers and fresh- and salt-water tanks with live fish, crabs and lobsters. It is elegant but understated, so both large parties and a single diner can be accommodated, although dim sum seems best shared.” (Read more)

“A Kababi is a place to go for kebabs, often in bazaars and on rooftops in the Middle East. In South Florida, head to Sunrise for authentic Persian-style kebabs and stews known as khoresht to eat with fragrant rice at Kababi Cafe… There is also a small market where you can stock up on cardamom-scented black tea, jars of pitted sour cherries, pistachio nougat and orange blossom water.” (Read more)